The 2026 wildfire season in the Northwest Fire Centre has been quieter than the past few years.
With the warmer weather in the forecast, a category two fire ban is being put into effect across the entire fire centre starting at noon on Wednesday.
So far, 26 wildfires have been recorded this season with a total burn area of 55 hectares.
The only active wildfire is near the B.C. side of Watson Lake along Highway 37, currently being held.
“The same time last year, we had about 34 fires and just under 4,000 hectares burned so quite a huge difference in terms of hectares burned,” said Fire Information Officer Morgan Blois.
She added the cloudy and cooler weather experienced so far in the centre is why this season has seen less burn area.
“Looking forward into the next few weeks of the summer, we are starting to trend toward more seasonal conditions,” Blois said.
“So, moving more into that warmer, dryer kind of regular summer approach to our summer and that’s going to add some increased hazard as we move forward.”
A category one campfire ban isn’t currently being anticipated for the region, but may be introduced if wildfire hazards remain elevated for over a week.
Category one campfires are described as fires up to a half metre in height and width, and within a fire ring.
Blois added residents are being asked to burn responsibly and remember to keep a way to control the campfire available, including a shovel and water.
Provincial wildfire officials also warned of elevated risks during an update on Tuesday.
